Branford Citizens for Responsible Development

BJ’s Proposed Development at Exit 56

The Town of Branford’s Planning and Zoning Commission is currently reviewing an application from BJ’s and a local developer for a large 37.7-acre retail development at Exit 56 off I-95 and fronting on East Main Street.

The property is not zoned to allow this type of retail development so the developers are applying for a Planned Development District designation to get around this obstacle. Public hearings are currently scheduled for October 15 and October 29, 2026 (see links below for more information).

PROPOSAL

  • One BJ’s big-box warehouse store covering approx. 106,000 square feet
  • Associated 16-pump gas station
  • One sit-down restaurant (approx. 7600 square feet)
  • Two drive-through restaurants (approx. 2800 square feet)
  • A strip-type commercial building (approx. 16,000 square feet)

WHY THE BJ’S PROPOSAL IS NOT GOOD FOR BRANFORD

  • Markedly increased traffic, air pollution, and litter
  • Potential for reduced water quality in our nearby wetlands due to impervious surfaces
  • Degradation of Branford’s town character and undermining local businesses
  • The future is uncertain for large big-box retail and there is no guarantee BJ’s will be viable in the long term
  • This area is not zoned for retail but rather for light industry, which brings with it less traffic, better jobs, and more tax revenue for acre of land consumed
  • This development can set a precedent for more big-box type development at exit 56
  • Branford would require expansion of services: a new fire station would need to be built and staffed

How to help STOP this proposal!

PUBLIC HEARING
Plan to attend the public hearings and plan to speak briefly on your opposition (otherwise the commissioners won’t know your feelings about the development).

WRITE THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
Write an email of your opinion to the Planning and Zoning Commission

Email: planningandzoning@branford-ct.gov

CONTRIBUTE TIME AND MONEY
If you would be willing to contribute your time and expertise to this effort, please contact the BCRD at: BCRD56@gmail.com

We are a grassroots organization, and we have many expenses related to legal and expert assistance. Please send a non-tax-deductible contribution to BCRD at P.O. Box 3353, Branford CT 06405

MORE INFORMATION